MILFORD, MA. November 21, 2009. Twenty Six members of the Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve MA ESGR) convened at the Massachusetts National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters in Milford, MA on a beautiful fall day for training. Classes included a special guest speaker , general updating for all members and break out groups for specific training related to assignments on the committee and time in the program.   

Tom Boyle, Chairman for MA ESGR opened the day's activities by welcoming attendants and leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence for all of our deployed armed forces.  .

This year's keynote speaker was Colonel (COL) Keefe, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air Commander for the MA National Guard. COL Keefe spoke of the high operational tempo of the MA Guard and how the men and women in uniform are responding in such a positive manner. We can expect that this activity level will continue to increase. He then thanked ESGR for its vital assistance to the Reserve Forces and the civilian employers of service members.  

Recently named Training Director, Wayne Theroux, provided an outstanding overview of the agenda and requested that members provide feedback in regard to their thoughts at the conclusion of the training. Mr. Theroux emphasized that it is the members who understand items that are valuable and what could be changed/deleted/added to make next year's training day even more meaningful for the group, especially new members. He then discussed the value of a mentoring system for new committee members and asked for member input on how best to accomplish this task as well.  

ESGR has developed new training materials that will be available in the near future on the National ESGR website. It is currently available on disc and can be provided to members on request. Wayne demonstrated the block on New Member Orientation Training and provided a printout of this material. The online courses should be available soon. He will let the committee members know when this occurs.  

The Ombudsmen moved to a separate room for their breakout session to receive relevant information specific to them. They were led by Earl Bonett, MA ESGR Western Area Chair and Ombudsman Director. The remaining members listened to a short briefing by Bill Hebert entitled. "Ten Things Everyone Needs to Know about ESGR". The most important item Bill stressed to all volunteers was in regard to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. He emphatically stated that: "If questioned on issues regarding (USERRA), it is imperative not to attempt to interpret the law or give personal opinions. ESGR has volunteers trained in the law called Ombudsman who should be referred to when such questions arise."  

The next agenda item was an update on the MA ESGR video project by Wayne. Member Holly Boyko produced and directed a draft video with technical expertise from Wayne. The very well done production was then shown to the gathering. The video included interviews with several committee members and when finalized, will be offered to local TV cable access stations for broadcasting. Wayne asked for comments on how the video could be improved and will follow up with Holly to discuss these recommendations. It was stated that Holly is looking for additional footage of the various ESGR activities with service members and employers.  

Program Support Specialist Dave St. Germain presented data on the status of the Statement of Support (SOS) program. He informed the membership of the process that is being used to obtain potential SOS target candidate employers. Mr. St. Germain thanked the group for their efforts to again achieve the goal of 991 signings for FY2009. He proudly stated that signatures for FY2010 are off to a fast start. Dave finished his presentation by showing a slide show/video he made of the committee's many events during the past year.   

Outreach Director Dr. Tom Mulvaney provided an update on the success of the Outreach Program. He then provided the committee members with various tips that can make the initiative even more effective. Dr. Mulvaney further stated that most of the attention is focused on the service member when a mobilization occurs. However, he pointed out that it is very important that we not forget that civilian employers are also making sacrifices when employees leave to perform military service.   

SFC Richard Reynolds covered what we need to know about Military Outreach (MO). He explained how important Employer Outreach (EO) is to the overall ESGR mission and demonstrated how EO can be used as conduit for MO. Several members were asked to discuss their recent experiences involving EO activities, with an emphasis on Patriot Award presentations and Statement of Support signings. All feedback was very positive as many committee members spoke of their own experiences at these EO events. Using a series of photo slides, SFC Reynolds showed how Guardsmen and Reservists present at EO events are positively influenced by ESGR and how important it is to follow up with these military contacts. He concluded by emphasizing that good relationships evolve into excellent partnerships such as those with Military Units from Camp Edwards and Barnes ANGB.   

Executive Director Joe Ryan then discussed the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program within the state. Several of these events have already occurred and we can expect many more as troops continue to prepare for and return from deployments. Joe handed out a breakout by state of the number of Guard and Reserve members assigned, activated and deployed. This shows why our activity level is increasing. Mr. Ryan then asked that all committee members review the "ESGR Sign Up Calendar" that SFC Reynolds sends out monthly. He asked that members volunteer to assist with those events if they are available. Joe then covered various administrative issues such as preparation and submittal of SF1164s, accurate and prompt reporting of ESGR activities.  

Chairman Tom Boyle said that the National Yearly Strategic Plan should be available soon. He emphasized the importance of moving forward with its direction and goals.  The Chairman then thanked the gathering for giving up a beautiful Saturday to attend the training and for making it a valuable event.

       
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Colonel  Keefe talking with the ESGR members _________________________________________________________________________________

 

Left to right: Chairman Tom Boyle and COL Keefe

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Training Director Wayne Theroux discussing the day's activities _________________________________________________________________________________

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Left to right in foreground:  Members Diane Swain and Ray Murray discuss the previous presentation

 

 If you would join the MA ESGR Committee and volunteer your time, call the MA Committee for ESGR_ at 508-233-7249 or go to www.esgr.mil